Soul TravellingIn the heart of Majorda, where faith meets the sea, a centuries-old tradition comes to life every year—one that turns palm leaves into boats, prayers into celebration, and a village into a living story of gratitude and devotion. Welcome to the Boatiche Fest, Goa’s hidden gem of faith and festivity.
Introduction
Majorda, a beautiful village in South Goa, is home to a variety of unique traditions and festivals. As someone who was born and raised here, I proudly consider myself a Majordkar (a native of Majorda). This Village is not just a place I live in but it’s my home, my safe place, my celebrations and my peace
Well everything about this village is worthy of being spoken about,, in this blog, I’ll focus on one particularly unique festival celebrated by the Catholic community here: the Boatiche Fest, also known as the Festival of Boats.
The Birth of this Unique Festival of Goa
The story behind this festival is rooted in faith. As the tale goes, a group of seamen was traveling across the sea when their boat was caught in a storm. Facing peril, they prayed to Mother Mary for help. Miraculously, they were saved, and in gratitude, they promised to bring a statue of Mother Mary and flowers on a boat to the church upon their safe return.
This event marked the beginning of what we now call the Boatiche Fest. Over time, the people of Majorda began crafting palm-leaf boats as part of this tradition, offering them to the church in honor of Mother Mary’s intercession.
Today, the boats are built by the parishioners of Majorda, with each boat taking about a month to complete. There are typically three groups, each responsible for crafting a different boat. This ancient tradition remains strong, thanks to the participation of both the young and the old. It has become a community platform where everyone can showcase their talent, dedication, and faith.
The Spirit of the Boatiche Fest
The Boatiche Fest is a deeply symbolic event that reflects the unity and devotion of the Majorda community. On the day of the festival, which usually falls on the first Sunday of August, the beautifully crafted palm-leaf boats are paraded through the village. The procession begins at the Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary, where prayers are offered. From there, the boats, adorned with flowers and religious symbols, are carried through the streets by the parishioners.
Traditional Goan music and hymns fill the air, and villagers, both young and old, walk alongside the boats in a joyful procession. The journey of the boats ends at the church altar, where they are presented as an offering to Mother Mary. This act is a gesture of faith, gratitude, and reverence for the protection and blessings bestowed upon the community.
Conclusion
The Boatiche Fest is a beautiful and heartfelt celebration that showcases the faith, creativity, and community spirit of Majorda. For the villagers, it’s more than just a festival—it’s a living tradition that connects them to their past and strengthens their bond with each other. The Festival of Boats stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in today’s fast-changing world.
